The IPad session looks at general settings, organizing apps and multitasking on the IPad. Bring yours with you to the class.

Master gardener Lorrie Wolf will demo and offer ideas & ways to prepare fall holiday arrangements. Each participant goes home with an arrangement.

Donna Rizzo will provide a demo and enable participants to craft an animal made out of shells. This Saturday time is intended to make this activity available for children, families and those working during the week.

The Garden Club is always open to new members. Stop in for a time to get a feel for current projects.

The Book Discussion group is discussing Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks.

Artist of the Month

Featured this month are the creations of Carol DeLisle. She is a resident of Ocean Harbor, Fort Myers Beach and has always had an interest in art and interior design. As collector of art and antiques for 40 years, she has owned and operated an antiques shop for two decades.

She began painting with watercolor at Lakewood College in St. Paul, MN, about 20 years ago, and while participating in the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, she moved to acrylic and oil. Carol and her husband Tom have been residents of our Beach for 10 years. She is particularly proud that Georgia O'Keefe is her mentor.

On display during November are canvases focusing on flowers and birds, sunrises to sunsets, and portraits of various members of her family. "I don't why I didn't start sooner because I just love it and feel it very fulfilling," she remarks.

There's a special "Meet the Artist" gathering on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Library Commons on the third floor.

Nativity Scenes

While traveling the world, Steve & Jackie Schwinn and Mary & Dave Wilcox discovered touching Nativity scenes. We thank them for making these available during this special time of the year. On display on the second floor in the display case are distinctive nativity scenes and traditions created in various traditions and settings from a wide array of countries. One wonders both about the feelings behind many of the creations as well as the aspects each tradition brings to this everlasting story.

Displayed

Stop on the second floor and take in the display case near the elevator that highlights Tiguan folk art and particularly the art of Magdalena Tozquiza. The narrative accompanying the art explains her life and what she brings to these bright scenes.

Wi-Fi

If you have your own laptop with Internet connectivity, you're welcome to use Wi-Fi in the Library Commons on the third floor of the Expansion. Cell phone conversations are also OK, as is eating in this area.

Progress Report

Taxpayers in the Beach Library District were mailed a copy of the Progress Report for the past 12 months. In the event that you did not receive your copy, feel free to pick up one from my office on the second floor of the expansion. A donor enabled us to print the full color report and also mail it. I'm a bit surprised at the number that were returned because the address was not correct or the forwarding period had expired, or for a myriad of other reasons.

Bikers

We're happy if you come to the library via the bike. It's economical and healthy. Please do not park in the vicinity of the front entrance or in the landscape or lock onto a sign. There are two bike racks at the left corner of the library as one looks at the tower lobby entrance from Estero.

Courtesy for each other means a lot and using the designated parking areas helps all in the long run.

Election

We love sharing details about the projects and activities of the library. It has been a gratifying experience to hear the comments that many have shared in the last few months. The votes affirm the direction we are moving and be assured that we will keep moving. I'm confident that the Board of Directors will continue to provide the very best library services while doing everything we can to keep our taxes as low as possible. My thanks to you for your support, to the Board members for their untiring efforts, and to staff for being attentive to community needs.

If there are ways that we can do better, feel free to discuss it with me. I am convinced that, with communication, services can be more attuned to precise needs and expectations as well as help each of us appreciate the other more. A community united and working together is best for us all.

Library Hours

When we are closed, the hours of operation are included in a recording when you call in. Stop by on Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Friday between 9 and 5; and on Saturday between 9 and 2. We look forward to seeing you.